The Computer Connection

The Computer Connection is a 1975 science fiction novel set in a future where a group of immortals, including historical figures like Sam Pepys and Herb Wells, operate as a secret society. The story centers on their discovery of a brilliant Cherokee physicist named Sequoya Guess, who has recently joined their ranks. The narrative involves a massive supercomputer called Extro, designed to control Earth's mechanical systems. The immortals devise a plan to work with Extro, but their scheme takes an unexpected turn when the computer system gains control of Dr. Guess, creating a crisis that threatens both the immortals and humanity. This fast-paced novel combines elements of cyberpunk with historical fiction, examining the intersection of immortality and artificial intelligence. The story raises questions about the nature of consciousness, the price of eternal life, and humanity's relationship with technology.

Readers consider this one of Bester's weaker novels, noting it lacks the impact of his earlier works like The Stars My Destination. Many found the writing style unfocused and hard to follow. What readers liked: - Creative future slang and wordplay - Fast-paced action sequences - Humorous moments and witty dialogue What readers disliked: - Confusing plot structure - Too many unexplained references - Characters feel underdeveloped - Writing style comes across as chaotic - Several readers couldn't finish the book As one Goodreads reviewer noted: "The plot meanders all over the place and the characters are paper-thin." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.4/5 (250+ ratings) Amazon: 3.2/5 (15+ reviews) LibraryThing: 3.1/5 (100+ ratings) Most readers recommend starting with Bester's other works instead. A common sentiment is that this book tries too hard to recapture the energy of his earlier novels but falls short.

Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson In this cyberpunk tale, a group of powerful individuals navigate a world controlled by mega-corporations and computer systems, sharing themes of technological dominance and human adaptation.

Lord of Light by Roger Zelazny The story features immortal beings who use advanced technology to pose as gods, creating parallels with the immortals in The Computer Connection.

True Names by Vernor Vinge This novel explores the relationship between human consciousness and artificial intelligence through a group of elite hackers who encounter a powerful computer entity.

Accelerando by Charles Stross The plot tracks humanity's evolution alongside artificial intelligence through multiple generations, examining the impact of superintelligent computer systems on human society.

When Gravity Fails by George Alec Effinger Set in a future where computer technology meshes with human consciousness, this novel features characters who must navigate the dangers of technological manipulation and artificial intelligence.

🔹 Published in 1975, the book was originally titled "The Indian Giver" but was changed before publication due to cultural sensitivity concerns. 🔹 Alfred Bester worked as a comic book writer for DC Comics in the 1940s, creating early versions of characters like Green Lantern before becoming a science fiction novelist. 🔹 The novel was nominated for both the Nebula Award and the Hugo Award, though it didn't win either - a rare double nomination that showcased its impact on the science fiction community. 🔹 The concept of immortality through consciousness transfer that Bester explores in the book has become a major theme in modern cyberpunk, influencing works like "Altered Carbon." 🔹 Bester drew inspiration for the AI character Extro from early ARPANET developments at the time of writing, predicting aspects of modern internet connectivity decades before they became reality.